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Q&A
Is Meniere’s disease a disqualifier?
What if I’ve had surgery for Meniere’s disease?
Does vertigo disqualify me from getting a medical card?
What if I take anti-seisure medication?
Can I pass a DOT physical after having a stroke?
If a driver is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder will they fail the DOT physical?
If I take antidepressants can I still get a DOT medical card?
Is Meniere’s disease a disqualifier?
Yes. Meniere’s disease is disqualifying because it may bring about a severe condition of vertigo and is unpredictable. The risk here is sudden incapacitation.
What if I’ve had surgery for Meniere’s disease?
Still is a disqualifier. The FMCSA is reviewing this in terms of certification.
Does vertigo disqualify me from getting a medical card?
It could. When the medical examiner does his examination, one of the things he is looking for is things that would be unsafe for you as a driver and how it effects your ability to maintain control of a commercial motor vehicle. Part of that examination is to test for virtigo. If he feels the condition is unsafe then he will not pass you. If he feels there is something that can help you maintain, he may make a suggestion for you to follow-up with a specialist.
Drivers who have had one unprovoked seizure by definition do not have epilepsy (2 or more unprovoked seizures). Drivers who are seizure-free and off anticonvulsant medication(s) for at least 5 years after a single unprovoked seizure can be certified. Earlier return to work may be considered for drivers with a normal EEG who have no epileptic-form activity and normal examination by a neurologist specializing in epilepsy. (This answer from the FMCSA website)
What if I take anti-seizure medication?
Right off the bat you would be disqualified as a CMV driver. There is a new federal exemption for seizure and related medications. You will need to check with the FMCSA regarding that particular paperwork.
Medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy is disqualifying. Where a driver can demonstrate that safety would not be diminished by the condition, it is possible to apply for an exemption.
Can I pass a DOT physical after having a stroke?
It depends on many things, including the likelihood of having another stroke. Your best bet is to first go back to your neurologist and have him/her write a medical opinion letter stating:
- When you had the stroke.
- What was the treatment, and how successful was the outcome.
- What is the treatment you are receiving now.
- The doctor’s medical opinion about your readiness to return to work as a driver. Make sure that he/she knows all of your physical daily activities as a commerial driver.
With that information in hand when you go to do your DOT medical examination, then the DOT examiner has all the appropriate information to determine your physical state of fitness to perform the duties of a commercial driver.
If a driver is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder will they fail the DOT physical?
Well, it isn’t that you fail outright, but you will be asked questions regarding the condition:
- What treatment routine has been established.
- How long you’ve been on that routine.
- How are you responding to treatment/medication, etc.
So just prepare for the question line in advance, bring documentation from your treating doctor with you, and you could do just fine.
If I take antidepressants can I still get a DOT medical card?
Well it’s not impossible, but what you will need to do is get a medical opinion letter from your treating physician that states:
- When you were diagnosed with the condition?
- What treatment program does he/she have you on?
- Is the condition stable?
- Does your physician feel you could do the duties of a commercial driver and be safe for yourself and the people/public around you?
Then take that information the DOT physical appointment. It will still be the DOT medical examiner’s decision whether or not to certify you.
I have an anxiety disorder on and off. This raises my BP readings. Can I still pass the DOT physical if I take beta-blockers?
You should talk with your primary healthcare provider to determine whether or not this would interfere with the responsibilities and stress of being a commercial motor vehicle operator. If your doctor feels OK about your driving and understands the role of a commercial motor vehicle operator, then he should write a medical opinion letter for you to take to the DOT examination, explaining your condition, treatment and safe usage of the medications you are taking and whether your specific condition is stable. That way there is no surprises for you or the DOT examiner.
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I had a Tia 5 years ago and seen a neurologist for a year following that and was wrote off as being fine at the end of that year. I do not have a cdl or required to have one but was told I need a dot medical to drive my truck and trailer certain places, I passed the dot physical but the examiner is saying I need a release from a neurologist before completely signing off, is this normal or required if it’s been 5 years since incident and have a had a clean bill of health?
@ David
The medical examiner is holding you to a class A cdl standard, which you are not. Confirm with your local DLD and get their guidelines and variances. You fall under the states regulations not federal regulations.
I suffered a TBI with no seizures over 12 years ago, I never had any lasting effects from it. I am now trying to get my medical clearance and certification and the Dr is telling me that since I had a TBI I cannot be cleared. What is the regulation, I have been unable to find where it states that. I was also told this information was entered in the DOT database so it cannot be changed or removed and will always show up if I try and get cleared. Do I have any options to obtain my medical card?
@ Dean R
Some one is over reading the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations. You are now qualified to take a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. If everything is within normal limits your medical card will, most likely, be for 1 year at a time. Go get a second opinion from some one else.
I had a TIA Feb 2023. My medical card expires 5-31-23. Does the 1yr waiting starts on the 31st? I went back to driving 4 days after the TIA.
@ Jeff
Start date was TIA. A lot will depend on the class cdl you carry also.
Today I took my DOT physical in order to return to work after suffering a concussion. My personal doctor signed off with no restrictions. I was told by doctor that since i lost consciousness, I could regulations required me to wait 90 days from the injury before I could operate a Commercial Vehicle. Essentially, I am physically able to do any activity but am being told I can not drive do to a regulation. I have attempted to locate this regulation and I could not. Everything I located referred to guidance not regulations. Can someone direct me to the actual regulation? or is this just the doctor’s personal interpretation of the guidance?
@ Kevin K
The CME is using the guidelines and recommendation as his guide plus weighing the possible risk factors of a seizure. Not regulations but guidelines and DOT/FMCSA recommendations.
I have been treated for anxiety with Sertraline for 10 years and always received a 2 year certificate. My most recent recertification I was told I could only be approved certified for one year. Has this changed?
@ John
Only in the eyes of the medical examiner. It is an area of DOT/FMCSA interpretation by the medical examiner. He may have needed additional supporting documentation from the prescribing physician.